HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 21, 2011 — (PRNewswire) — Recognizing the value of manufacturing to the state's economy, Governor Tom Corbett today announced the formation of a new public-private council to identify and prioritize top issues that can sustain and advance manufacturing in the state.

"Manufacturing adds more than $75 billion in value each year to our state's economy, and it is paramount that we do all that we can to preserve and support that sector of our economy," Gov. Corbett said. "The council will research issues and make recommendations that will further strengthen that industry and ultimately allow manufacturers to add jobs for Pennsylvanians."

The council, led by the Team Pennsylvania Foundation, consists of 23 members from a cross-section of manufacturing interests including heavy machinery, minerals, pharmaceuticals, plastics, steel and textiles. Matt Zieger, Team PA President and CEO, said the Foundation is funding the council and that no taxpayer dollars are being used to support this initiative.

"The council has a two-fold mission," Zieger said. "Members are being charged to determine regulatory or economic roadblocks that impede growth factors, and to identify ways to market the attributes that make Pennsylvania a great place for manufacturers to do business."

The council, co-chaired by Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary C. Alan Walker and Carlos Cardoso, Chairman, President and CEO of Kennametal Inc., will conduct meetings over six months starting in January 2012.

The group will focus on specific subjects, including: taxes and the regulatory climate in Pennsylvania; talent and innovation; international markets; energy costs; efficiency; and research and development.

The council will be charged with issuing a report to the governor and General Assembly that includes policy suggestions and a strategy to help Pennsylvania remain competitive in today's global economy.

The council will also include three members of manufacturing trade associations and one from the Industrial Resource Center.